A LITTLE PRESENT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 360, 22 October 1932, Page 5

A LITTLE PRESENT

(Press. Assn.—

RACING DRIVERS GREET "WIZARD" SMITH WITH YELLOW FLAG AGGRIEVED AT LOST CHANCES

-By Telegraph — Copvrtght).

Rec. Oct. 21, 10.50 p.m. Sydney, Oct. 21. Edwin Paterson, described as an engineer, who gave a yellow flag to "Wizard" Smith upon his return from New Zealand, was a witness for the defence in the "Wizard" Smith libel case to-day. The defence claimed that the flag was not offered as a gratuitous insult, but as a strong protest by certain racing driv-ers aggrieved at losing their chances of driving Smith's car, the Enterprise, on the occasion of a speed attempt. Paterson named three drivers who would have given anything to have driven the Enterprise. He had met Smith on different occasions at reliability trials, and it was futile for Smith to elaim lack of aequaintance. Smith's ' Weekly newspaper had nothing to do with the giving of the yellow flag to plaintiff. Paterson added: "I met Smith on tlie wharf and said, 'Good-morning Norman. We racing drivers would like you to accept this little present. I hope you appreciate its significance.' Smith accepted it eventually and gave it to a little boy." Evidence taken in New Zealand from Percy Thode was also read. He said that he drove the Ninety-Mile Beach after the 10 mile run and found the beach in perfect condition. j The hearing was adjourned.